Greatest Fjords of Norway

Shares

Featuring nine of the top ten fjord experiences, as voted by the Norwegian public in Fjord Norway’s 2013 survey, this incredible cruise is your chance to discover the very best of the fjordland; made possible by Balmoral’s ability to divert into away from the coastal routes and straight into the heart of the region.

Special Offer! Free All Inclusive Drinks Package – Limited Time

While spending just nine nights away, you’ll experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the amazing part of the world to the full, taking in a string of simply spectacular waterways and enchanting destinations. Up first is a memorable sail along Lysefjord, passing by mighty mountains and tumbling waterfalls at sunset; before a day is spent sailing the full length of Hardangerfjord – the ‘Queen of the Fjords’ – and Maurangerfjord to catch a glimpse of the cascading Furebergfossen Waterfall. Over the next two days Balmoral will stop at two enchanting fjord villages, Flåm and Olden. From Flåm you could ride the world-famous Flåmsbana Railway and marvel at the Kjofossen Waterfall, or take in views of Aurlandsfjord from the 650-metre high Stegastein Lookout; while Olden is your gateway to an abundance of natural wonders, from the breathtaking Briksdal Glacier to the gorgeous Lovatnet Lake. You’ll also enjoy unforgettable scenic cruising of Nærøyfjord – one of National Geographic’s top two Natural World Heritage Sites – and the glorious Nordfjord; and see the majestic Hornelen sea cliff from your ship’s decks.

A call into Hellesylt follows for the chance to discover the striking Hellesylt Waterfall, Tystigen Glacier and Hornindalsvatnet – Europe’s deepest lake – before you spend yet another magical evening on board Balmoral taking in the unspoilt scenery of some of Norway’s highest-rated waterways. Be sure to have your camera to hand to capture the unspoilt landscapes of Geirangerfjord – another of National Geographic’s top two Natural World Heritage Sites – and the glorious Seven Sisters Waterfall; as well as the picturesque Sunnylvsfjord and Storfjord, home of the magnificent Strandafjellet Mountain. Calls into two attractive, vibrant cities conclude your cruise. In Kristiansund your ship will dock just 100 metres from the centre, so you’ll be perfectly placed to take in the highlights on a relaxing stroll; or take a trip along the Atlantic Ocean Road – once voted the ‘world’s best road trip’ by The Guardian. Before heading back to the UK, you’ll visit Bergen for the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf and take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen.

Please note, this is an adult only sailing (18+).

Gallery

Inclusions

Return flights Shannon to Edinburgh

Return Transfers airport / port / hotel

9 nights accommodation aboard the Balmoral based on 2 sharing

Fine dining on a full board basis

All onboard entertainment

1 Night in a 4* Edinburgh hotel with breakfast

One check-in bag of 15kgs and one 10kgs carry-on per person

Taxes and charges of €130

Itinerary

Day 1 Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Following a flight from Shannon to Edinburgh, you will be transferred to the port to board the Fred. Olsen Balmoral where you will begin your journey.

Day 2 Cruising Lysefjord

Experience an unforgettable scenic cruise along the beautiful Lysefjord, a size-restricted waterway carved 40 Kilometres into Norway’s breathtaking west coast. The Lysefjord is a stunning example of the Norwegian fjords’ spectacular natural beauty. Carved into the landscape by glacier movement in the Ice Age approximately 10,000 years ago, Lysefjord is lined by magnificent mountains and dramatic cliff faces – some soaring over 1,000 metres high into the unpolluted skies above. In some sections of the fjord the water is as deep as the mountains are high, however at the shallowest point the water depth drops to just 13 metres. This means only small ships such as those in the Fred. Olsen fleet can cruise the Lysefjord. Sailing along the glassy waters on board a smaller cruise ship is without doubt the best way to take in the fjord’s eclectic sights. Lookout for tumbling waterfalls, wonderful wildlife and pretty settlements dotted along the shores; and marvel at the sight of the impressive Lysefjordbrua suspension bridge as so you sail into the fjord. On a clear day it is possible to see the famous Preikestolen – a huge 604 metre-high flat mountain plateau – and Kjeragbolten, a large rock wedged in one of Mount Kjerag’s crevices. If you’re very lucky you may hear the gunshot-like bang of Kjeragsmellet – an unexplained natural phenomenon that’s particularly prominent in the winter months.

Day 3 Cruising Hardangerfjord, Maurangerfjord & Furebergfossen

Experience the breathtaking landscape of Hardangerfjord. Known as the queen of the Fjord, Hardangerfjord is situated centrally in the heart of Western Norway. The best way to experience this incredible Fjord is to sail along the 197 kilomteres, enjoying the spellbinding scenery, towering mountains, waterfalls and idyllic orchards. Cruise along the Maurangerfjord, gliding past the pretty Furebergfossen Waterfall for wonderful views and great photo opportunities. Cruise along the Maurangerfjord, gliding past the pretty Furebergfossen Waterfall for wonderful views and great photo opportunities. Maurangerfjord is a fjord in the municipality Kvinnherad in Hordaland, Norway. It is a 12 km long branch of the Hardangerfjord. The inner end of the fjord branches into Nordrepollen and Austrepollen. The Mauranger Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Austrepollen.

Day 4 Flåm, Sognefjord & Cruising Nærøyfjord (Naeroyfjord)

Flåm is a tiny village on the banks of the Aurlandsfjord, one of the branches of the beautiful Sognefjord – the longest and deepest fjord in Europe. The setting is utterly spectacular. A stroll along the waterside, past orchards and hamlets, cottages and farmland, helps to explain why this area is so enduringly popular with visitors. Back in the village, the pretty church with its traditionally decorated walls, is one of the oldest in Norway. In recent years the Flåm Railway has become a major attraction. Finished in 1944, it climbs over 20km and almost a thousand metres through magnificent scenery, in and out of mountains, past waterfalls and ravines, pausing at the beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall – where water crashes 225 metres down the side of the cliffs – for a photo opportunity. Down in the village, the Flåmsbana Museum tells the story of the railway’s design and construction. Flåm is also perfectly placed if you wish to explore Naeroyfjord – An UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. The fjord can be explored via boat trips and kayaking tours. The sights and sounds of the fjord are incredible and not to be missed.

Cruise along the Nærøyfjord (Naeroyfjord), a fjord rated by National Geographic as the world’s number one natural heritage site. The Nærøyfjord (Naeroyfjord) has been rated by National Geographic as the world’s number one natural heritage site and is rumoured to be the inspiration for the snowy scenes in the hit Disney movie Frozen. The fjord is 18 kilometres long and only 500 metres wide at its narrowest point and the passage through it is one of the most dramatic in Europe. As your cruise through this stunning part of the world you’ll see snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and charming traditional farms that cling to the vast hillsides.

Day 5 Olden, Nordfjord, Norway & Cruising Nordfjord

The charming village of Olden is set amongst green meadows – ablaze with colourful flowers throughout the summer – and babbling brooks meandering between pretty houses. It’s the gateway to the famous Briksdal glacier arm, which is set between tumbling waterfalls and high peaks. At its eastern end, the magnificent Nordfjord divides into three arms beneath the glaciers of the Jostedalsbreen, and Olden sits at the beginning of the southernmost of these arms. Olden is utterly delightful, a charming village set in green meadows which are ablaze with colourful flowers throughout the summer, and through which babbling brooks meander between pretty houses. In the centre of the village is the Old Church, built in 1759 on the site of a 14th century stave church: the timber was used for the pew doors and doorposts. Near the church is the Singerheimen, the former home of William Singer the millionaire founder of the sewing-machine company. He was a gifted amateur artist, and some of his paintings of the Olden area can be seen in his workshop. The beautiful Oldedalen Valley extends for 12 miles behind Olden and is an absolute joy to explore. Flanked by huge, near-vertical cliffs and sparkling glaciers, the views the valley offers are a sight to behold. On an adventure through the valley you will also spot a string of spectacular waterfalls. Olden is also perfectly placed for tours to the astonishing Briksdal Glacier.

The Nordfjord is one of Norway’s longest and most picturesque fjords, with the stunning Jostedalsbreen Glacier and Stadhavet Ocean located at either end. The Nordfjord is one of Norway’s longest and most picturesque fjords, with the stunning Jostedalsbreen – Europe’s largest inland glacier – at one end and the Stadhavet Ocean located at other end. Cruising along this magnificent stretch of glass-like water in pure tranquility you’ll bask in the beautiful views and stunning scenery of this untouched part of the world.

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the incredible Geirangerfjord and enjoy breathtaking views of one of Norway’s most famous and most impressive natural wonders – the Seven Sisters waterfall. As you cruise alongside the stunning Seven Sisters Waterfall you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the seven tumbling streams of glistening water that flow effortlessly into the beautiful Geirangerfjord – an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The pretty farmhouses and historic structures of tiny Hellesylt are surrounded by spectacular peaks and cascading waterfalls. It’s also a gateway to the stunning scenic landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Situated close to beautiful rivers, soaring mountain ranges, breathtaking waterfalls and the incredible scenery of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, it’s no wonder that Hellesylt is one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations. Regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in the Norwegian Fjords, this tiny settlement is visited by over 200,000 people every year. Hellesylt is a town that begs to be explored, and there are numerous trails to walk and valleys to climb that reward you with some incredible views of the surrounding mountains and stunning natural wonders. Hellesylt Waterfall is one of the many highlights, as are the Kjellstaddalen and Moldskreddalen valleys. The rolling hills here are fairly easy to navigate and provide some of the best views of the surrounding fjords.

With the town of Hellesylt lying at the end, and at 16 miles long, Sunnylvsfjorden is one of the most innermost branches of the large Storfjorden. The famous Geirangerfjord branches off from this stunning fjord. Flanked by towering mountain peaks, historic farms and tiny villages, the serene Sunnylvsfjorden offers spectacular views as you glide through the still, crystal-clear waters towards the beautiful village of Hellesylt – one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations – and the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord – voted the world’s joint-number natural world heritage site – which branches off into the western fjordland.

Day 7 Kristiansund, Norway

On Norway’s west coast, Kristiansund is spread over three islands connected by bridges. Discover the history of Klippfish at the unique museum; marvel at the old town’s remarkable architecture; or travel along the renowned Atlantic Road, one of Norway’s most photographed driving roads. Almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, nearly 80% of Kristiansund has been rebuilt since the 1940s. Located on three islands that surround a beautiful natural harbour, the city is now home to some of Norway’s most attractive and interesting modern architecture, though some reminders of pre-war Kristiansund still remain such as the city’s opera house – the oldest in Norway. From Kristiansund you can enjoy a trip to the nearby Grip Island, a former fishing settlement that was prominent in the 15th and 16th centuries as one of Norway’s most important societies. Despite there being no permanent residents here today, the island is worth visiting to explore the abandoned fishing villages, absorb the atmosphere and visit the Grip Stave Church – built in 1470. A drive along the incredible Atlantic Road – an 8 kilometre stretch of road that links Kristiansund and Molde – is breathtaking experience, and one that’s not-to-be-missed during your time here. The twisting, rising and falling road passes through beautiful rocky coastlines, over the sea and through vast hills and mountains. Featuring some unbelievable architecture and mind-blowing bridges, a drive along this amazing stretch of tarmac was once called the world’s best road trip by The Guardian.

Day 8 Bergen, Norway

The Hanseatic city of Bergen has many attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, with its colourful timbered houses and cobbled streets; a vibrant fish market; and the Troldhaugen Museum, the former home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. Bergen was one of the great Hanseatic ports, and this maritime heritage is recalled by the 900-year-old Bryggen Wharf, with its splendid museum. The wharf is a delight to explore: its narrow streets climb away from the waterfront, lined by interesting shops, colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled stairways, with alleyways and tiny open spaces that beg to be explored. In summer months every spare corner seems to be filled with pots and containers overflowing with colourful flowers that fill the air with perfume. Bergen is framed by seven magnificent hills, the highest of which can be reached by a funicular railway. From the top there are spectacular views down to the harbourside, where cafés, bars and restaurants welcome visitors from around the world. Bergen was the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg, and the Troldhaugen is a museum devoted to his life and work, including an exhibition centre, shop and café.

Day 9 Edinburgh, UK

Once you have disembarked the Balmoral you will be transferred to your 4* hotel for a one night stay affording you the opportunity to explore this fascinating historical city.

Edinburgh – Scotland’s historic capital – is one of the U.K.’s finest cities. Combining beautiful architecture, engrossing cultures and an extensive heritage, this Scottish delight is a must-visit destination. From the UNESCO-listed Old Town & New Town districts within the city centre to the lush parks and rolling hills on the outskirts, Edinburgh is a city that begs to be explored, offering something for everyone. To see some of Scotland’s most famous and beautiful sights, be sure to explore the historic Old Town quarter which is home to the city’s magnificent castle, the famous Holyrood Royal residence, the parliament building and St Giles’ Cathedral. Or if you prefer to indulge in a little retail therapy, you can wander the high-end stores and independent boutiques that line Princes Street, George Street and other areas in the New Town.

Day 10 Edinburgh, UK

Following breakfast at your hotel, we will have you transferred to the airport for your flight back to Shannon.

Accommodation

Balmoral

Balmoral is the largest and newest cruise ship, named after the Scottish home of the Royal Family. Still smaller than most cruise ships today, there are 710 cabins and suites and generous public space for the 1,300 guests on board.

The main restaurant is Ballindalloch (named after the Speyside village and castle), while the two other formal restaurants – Avon and Spey – are also in keeping with the Scottish theme and are named after two of Scotland’s most beautiful salmon rivers.

There’s a comfy pub with occasional live music or comedy, cabaret and shows in the Neptune Lounge, or drift away with a cool drink and spectacular seascapes in the Observatory Lounge.

Extra Information

Booking remarks

Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated

Non-refundable deposit of 15% due on confirmation of booking

2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit card

Optional Insurance available (call for details)

Drinks packages available to prebook – only €18 per person per night

Gratuities from €5 per person per night payable at the end of your cruise onboard M.S. Boudicca

These prices are guidelines only and are subject to change and availability. Pricing will be confirmed at time of booking.

Sign up to the The Irish Times Travel Service NewsletterThank you for visiting the Irish Times Travel Service. Sign up to the Irish Times Travel Service Newsletter to receive the best value offers straight to your inbox.